Freedom Oklahoma Announces new Executive Director

Oklahoma advocacy group, Freedom Oklahoma, has announced today the hiring of Allie Shinn as Executive Director. She will begin her position on March 4, 2019.

Shinn, a long time advocate for LGBTQ rights, comes to Freedom Oklahoma from the ACLU of Oklahoma, where she served in many roles during her tenure, including Deputy Director. During her time at the ACLU of Oklahoma, Shinn established herself as a leader on issues ranging from criminal justice reform to the first amendment to reproductive freedom. She has been, throughout her tenure at the ACLU, a tireless advocate for LGBTQ rights, and it is her passion for and personal dedication to the goal of advancing liberty for LGBTQ Oklahomans that brings her to Freedom Oklahoma.

“I have long been a supporter of the mission of Freedom Oklahoma and am in awe of the organization’s tenacity in this fight,” said Shinn. “The LGBTQ movement’s progress over the past decade is inspiring. But we stand today engulfed by potent, near daily reminders that too few of us have realized full equality, dignity, and safety. LGBTQ Oklahomans must stand strong in these trying times. I’m honored for this opportunity to stand with my community in this fight.”

Freedom Oklahoma, founded in 2015, is a statewide political advocacy organization, working at the Legislature and in municipalities for greater equality for LGBTQ Oklahomans. Shinn, Freedom Oklahoma’s second Executive Director,  is joining a staff long dedicated to this work, and a board comprised of both new and long-serving members.

“We are confident that Allie is the right choice to lead our organization at this time,” said Allyson Coffey, Freedom Oklahoma Board Co-Chair. “Our community has historically and today faced many obstacles, but this is also a time of opportunity. Together, we can raise our voices in support of a more equal Oklahoma.”

Shinn is an ACLU member, serves on the Board of Directors for Sally’s List, and regularly volunteers her time to local and statewide elections. Shinn holds a Bachelor of Arts in History and a Master of Science in International Studies, both from Oklahoma State University.

The Gayly - 2/12/2019 @11:13 a.m. CST.